Ellis starts off with a direct to camera presentation, outlining the course, why the elements are important, and going over basic terms and then into instruction segments. This impressed me a lot: other DVDs I've bought spend big blocks of time upfront on how important, wonderful and useful the information is before even starting instruction and many skip any course outline or basic introduction.

5 out of 5 stars

I have watched the first one 6-8 times because there is a ton of info in there. This second updated version does a fantastic job of isolating the fundamentals of Michaels system and explaining how to implement them. I am glad I have both videos, however I would say this second food video is the best for someone trying to understand Michael's system and learn how to train with it.

The Power of Training Dogs with Food

The first DVD we produced in our Michael Ellis series was The Power of Training Dogs with Food. The video footage for that DVD came from a number of Michael’s training seminars that were held here at Leerburg and other locations around the country.

We are pleased to announce the release of a new and updated version of The Power of Training Dogs with Food.

This new video was filmed entirely in HD. We did not use any of the video footage from the first version. In addition, the new DVD was produced from a totally new training outline and layout.

This project has been in the works for more than a year. We flew out to CA and filmed one of Michael’s courses and then Michael flew to Wisconsin to finish the filming for the new outline.

Customers who have already purchased the older version of this DVD will receive an email with a discount for this new DVD.

DVD Outline

Introduction

Concepts covered, how DVD is laid out, and why we are re-doing this DVD

Terminology

Classical Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

Conditioned Reinforcer

"Marker"

Engagement

Luring

Spatial Pressure

Shaping and Successive Approximation

Fading

Hunger Drive

Prey Drive

Acquisition-based Behaviors

Reinforcer vs. Reward

Reward Event

Verbal Cue/Prompt

Physical Cue/Prompt

Reinforcement Schedules

Arousal

Over-shadowing

Motivation

Marker Training Revisited

Lecture on markers and our communication system.

Demo on "charging the markers" ... yes vs. good and the mechanical differences.

How to hold and deliver food.

Food vs. Toy ... Why?

Number of reps per session

Arousal levels and their effect on training

Fine degrees of manipulation

Earlier training possible

Choosing the right food and Food Delivery revisited.

Palatability

Size

Dos and Don'ts of varying food rewards...hierarchy of expectations.

Engagement: What and why?

Principles

Movement is motivating

Varying duration of the reward event

Move away from the dog not toward

Contrast between behavior of handler before versus during reward event

Quality of reward and intensity of reward

Engage before teaching

Creating a Reward Event

Luring

Principles - straight lines, controlling head, holding food revisited

Drills

Spatial Pressure

Shaping Behaviors

Touch/Foot Target and Pivoting

Sit

Down

Stand

Place

Pre-heeling

Recall

Stay = Duration

Putting Behaviors on Verbal Cue/Adding Commands

Mechanics

Overshadowing revisited

Pitfalls

Reinforcement Schedules

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing video!!! Lots of Terminolygy that was highly educational. The demos were great and informative

5 out of 5 stars

This video is awesome! It was so helpful to see others working their dogs at different stages of training. Michael's calmness with the trainers was very reassuring. I saw where I needed improvement and how to advance with my training. It is great to have the video to go back to over and over.
Thanks
Barb

5 out of 5 stars

This DVD is remarkable. I started using markers since 2005 to train my dogs but, I did not understand the concepts clearly until I bought this DVD. My dog 'Troy' was started in this system and he is now fluent in all the concepts and behaviors in this DVD at 7 months.

One thing I will always remember from Michael's system is that "you must never name behaviors until you love them"

God bless you Michael
.
Jacob
from Ghana, West Africa

5 out of 5 stars

This was deceptive at least for me. With all the great free content Leerburg provides I was 30 min or so in thinking I just wasted my money. I knew what the terms were and so on. But as the video went on I found what I was looking for. It just kept getting better and by the time I was halfway I was glad I got this DVD. I highly recommend this and the tug video.

5 out of 5 stars

Great video. I like the demonstration of both Michael and other trainers. Seeing is everything; please incorporate this in your other videos. Also don't try to do too much with your videos. We don't need all of the sassy effects and music. We are here to learn about training dogs...

5 out of 5 stars

A great, really educational video that's a must for dog-people! It's easy to take in the information, I'll watch it more than once for sure.

5 out of 5 stars

A must have for anyone who wants to train dogs! Period.

5 out of 5 stars

Michael Ellis, I can't thank you enough for this video. You have a wounderful heart and love for fellow mankind and our dogs. It shows in the way that you have opened up your vast vault of knowledge and shared it with us in this DVD. Your attention to detail is superb. The $65 for the DVD is a great deal. But the ENGAGEMENT one will get with their dog after using your techniques absolutely priceless. Hands down the best investment one can make to improve the relationship with their dog!!! This video gave me a clear picture in my mind of what the end result should look like along with the incremental detailed steps to get there.

Having had a limited amount of dog training experience in my past I started helping a friend train with a 4 month old doberman. After about a month with them I purchased this DVD. Using your techniques the increased focus and engagement was INCREDIBLE. He's now almost 6 months old and doing great. Thanks again

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic DVD! Michael Ellis explains each step clearly and understandably even for the novice and lets the 'real time' handler-dog demonstrations do the rest. My young Rotti is responding very well to the outlined techniques and has become so much more engaged and - I feel - more balanced as his natural drive and eagerness to learn gets rewarded and channeled appropriately. I'm thoroughly happy I purchased The Power of Training Dogs with Food, Michael Ellis is an awesome dog trainer!

5 out of 5 stars

LOVED IT!!
I'm hoping to be able to go to the Intensive training at Michael Ellis' school, so have begun using the videos so as not to be a complete dork in class. I so wish this info had been available when I first started training my Dogo Argentinos in 2000! It makes so much sense and it such a wonderful way to achieve relationship with your dog.

After watching the DVD, I started conditioning the two markers, "Yes" and "Good" with my seven-year-old Dogo. He got so excited that he began tearing joyfully around my (small) house. It was really nice to see that in him because he's a rescue and I think was pretty squelched in his past life. He rarely expresses that sense of fun and ENGAGEMENT!! Yay!

The video is organized wonderfully. I got a notebook for all the terms used and notes for myself. Each section is carefully explained and will be easy to practice. I plan on watching each piece over and over. What fun!

Re: the difference in volume between music and narration - yes, the volume on the music should be lower. It would be easy to correct for the future. But, it's an easy correct at home. Just fast-forward or mute! No biggie. The DVD is well worth the cost.

5 out of 5 stars

Improved DVD from the previous one. A must have if you are training a dog. Surf the internet before to watch this DVD it will help to understand the basic concepts faster.

5 out of 5 stars

This training video is INCREDIBLE!!! Michael Ellis covers how to train dogs with food in a very completely and easy, but also very professional and science based manner. My favorite part is that you get to see actual people training the same content and making mistakes. Along the way, Mr. Ellis is there to correct them and improve their training. It is brilliant! The content is extremely complete and works very quickly. It also addresses many of the pitfalls that commercial clicker training doesn't warn about. I was so amazed at how rapidly my 6 week weimaraner puppy took to it. It has only been 3 days, but today he was actually "asking" for training. All I can say is, "Thank you Mr. Ellis." I was so skeptical, but the training blew me away. I wish to see more videos of this caliber.

5 out of 5 stars

My first Michael Ellis video and led directly to ordering more. The organization and timing of material is very, very good. There's a clear direction and progression, with sections long enough to fully cover the material but not belabor it. This is not just a video of one of his classes; it's recorded and organized specifically for a DVD.

Ellis starts off with a direct to camera presentation, outlining the course, why the elements are important, and going over basic terms and then into instruction segments. This impressed me a lot: other DVDs I've bought spend big blocks of time upfront on how important, wonderful and useful the information is before even starting instruction and many skip any course outline or basic introduction.

Ellis has a good layout for instruction chapters; a direct to camera lecture instruction, Ellis or another person demonstrates the section focus, then (if appropriate) a video segment of students in an in person class training. The student videos are great; it includes students mastering the material and shows the student progression. My training echoed their progression and I really appreciated seeing them in the video. The video mechanics are superb: the camera work clearly shows the action, the audio is excellent and you can hear Ellis and the student discuss techniques and improvement. You can even hear the dogs snarf up the treats.

Highly recommend this video; one of the best I've seen.

1 out of 5 stars

Music WAY TOO LOUD- it really ruins something great for absolutely no reason or advantage to anybody! It turns a 5 star presentation into a 1 star DVD. Michael Ellis is amazing in this DVD. It is incredibly well thought out, organized, and clear. Awesome mix of Michael's inspiring demonstrations mixed with other handlers that have a nice range of abilities and experience. What's wrong is only one thing- but it is a very big thing. The musical interludes are way too loud. The volume of the general content exists on one plain and then the music blasts. The music is too loud relative to the moments when Micheal is well miked and talking to the camera. You're listening and learning then blast. Then later in the video during demonstrations, the volume needs to be much higher to hear some great work Michael is doing with other handlers. His in the moment verbal refinements in the wall exercise are so insightful and clear, AND THEN BLAST. The music doesn't just need to be a little lower, it needs to be lower on an order of 10. It would be so much better if there were a few complaints that the music was too low. But this problem seems to exist in other Leerburg videos online. The tragedy here is that it ruins something so great and that I want to watch over and over. So why do I have to be blasted over and over again. Seriously if you want to watch this more than once you better live alone. By the end of the first viewing everyone at home has asked me not to watch it again while they are there. And the only reason is the ludicrous volume of music. WHY WHY WHY

5 out of 5 stars

This is in my opinion,is one of the best training videos I have ever seen. This is a must see for all dog owners and trainers. Have watched this at least five times, and each time, I picked up something new I missed during previous views. My next one will be the new tugging video. Great job!

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!!!! Having purchased numerous videos from Leerburg, they have hit the mark once again. The Michael Ellis series is nothing less than exceptional. The only thing that could make this any better would be attending the Ellis school and having the DVDs as a back up!

5 out of 5 stars

This DVD is excellent. One of the best things about this DVD is that there is no wasted space. The teaching follows a logical progression of theory and exercise. Every aspect is taught clearly and Michael Ellis is professional, wise and highly effective in delivering the information. The video moves along covering the information in an interesting and engaging way. It's also very helpful to see multiple dogs and multiple people performing the techniques and receiving instruction. At times students are shown performing a technique incorrectly and this is very helpful. It shows how the very small mistakes they make affect the dogs body and undermine what they are attempting to achieve. This is priceless as these mistakes would be hard to spot in myself if I hadn't seen Michael correct them in others on the video.

5 out of 5 stars

What a huge improvement! I did enjoy the prior video, but the audio was less than clear and sometimes hard to understand.

I hope a remake of focused healing is in the near future also. Great job guys! As for Michael Ellis, his theory and methods are bar none, the best! Would like to see some of his seminars in Florida though. Thank you all for helping us become better trainers.

5 out of 5 stars

An Epic Video! Best video I have seen from Leerburg ever! Finally a polished video right up there with Ivan Balabanov's obedience without conflict or any other canine training systems video from Europe.

This video is historic in preserving in detail the many precise body motions Michael Ellis uses in the very first steps at training a dog. And we even get to see Forrest in straw hat! YES!

Can you guys make all your videos like this? This is an epic milestone for Leerburg!

5 out of 5 stars

I have almost worn out the original DVD on training with food. This new DVD on training with food is perfect compliment to the original and together I think they make a great package. I would advise anyone interested in Michael Ellis' teachings to get both. In the first DVD you see a lot of different types of handlers but in the new DVD you get to see a wider variety of types of dogs. Well done guys! I also like the organization in this new DVD and the fancy stuff that I'm sure Jeff put in.

5 out of 5 stars

Video was really specific with attention to detail. Very useful. What is the next video to watch where our competition dogs are weaned off food completely :)

5 out of 5 stars

Finally. This DVD made your system clear. Thank you!!

5 out of 5 stars

Very well done. Methods are well explained and demonstrations do a great job of providing a visual representation of how the handler should execute the training method.

5 out of 5 stars

I watched the first DVD several times. This new DVD is the correct length and I thought much clearer and I got a lot more detail from it. Thanks.

5 out of 5 stars

I watched the first DVD several times. This new DVD is the correct length and I thought much clearer and I got a lot more detail from it. Thanks.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent. I viewed the original DVD first and now have finished this new DVD. They work well together.
The last puppy I trained was 20 years ago. Needless to say I need to relearn everything.
Even now, I will need to back up a bit with my 4 month old as I have gone too fast by naming positions too soon, etc.
What I have found here is a clear path which illustrates the way to the goal. So helpful!
It's all a little overwhelming but Michael breaks down everything in simple steps for the new handler and the dog.
Thank you so much for the help. I feel encouraged and empowered with this information.

5 out of 5 stars

I just finished watching this video. I own the first power of training with food with Michael and wondered if I should buy this or not. All I can say is WOW, this video is great!!! I have watched the first one 6-8 times because there is a ton of info in there. This second video does a fantastic job of isolating the fundamentals of Michaels system and explaining how to implement them. I am glad I have both videos, however I would say this second food video is the best for someone trying to understand Michael's system and learn how to train with it. Kudos to Michael for putting this on video for us, and also to Ed and the rest at Leerburg for doing such a great job at producing this release. The audio and video are perfect.

4 out of 5 stars

I've viewed the original DVD two or three times. That one was very good. This one is even better because it was made with the at-home viewer in mind. It's easier to follow, take notes, etc. And the hands-on demos with Michael Ellis's students are easier to hear and to follow visually. The only reason I haven't given 5 stars (and this may just be me) is that I find myself wishing Mr. Ellis would just speak a trifle more slowly. Having taught classes on the same subject over and over again, I notice that when I start teaching them I stumble and make mistakes, then my delivery improves but my freshness is still there. But after I've taught the subject over and over again, I keep having to remind myself not to put myself back in the students' shoes and not race through a subject which has become old hat to me but is not old hat to my students. No offence intended though, because this basically a very clear, well organized and informative presentation by a master teacher.

Question

Mr. Frawley,

I have been ordering your videos for years. I have gained a great deal of knowledge regarding dog training from your DVDs. About three months ago I order The Power of Training Dogs with Markers as well as a few other DVDs. I see you are coming out with The Power of Training Dogs with Food, will this DVD cover the same topics as your DVD titled the power of dog training with markers or will there be new topics covered in this DVD?

Thank you,
Michael

Answer

This is an excellent question. I will add this to our web page on the new food DVD.

The Power of Training Dogs with Markers is a DVD that teaches people what marker training is. As you already know it teaches you the details of the program and really the power of marker training lies in understanding the details and knowing how to apply them.

What Michael Ellis brings to the table is the application of markers to training behaviors. In other words the food DVD first covers a great deal on engagement – some people call this FOCUS. While there is a short recap of the basics of markers, this DVD focuses on using markers to get your dog engaged with you and then using markers to teach behaviors: restrained recalls, muscle memory heeling, touch pads, sit, down, stand.

The fact is the real power in markers is in the application of the markers. That's where Michael is a genius. If you get the food DVD you will see exactly what I am talking about. That fact is to understand Michael's system, you will need to master the food DVD and then the tug DVD (which is next). Once you understand and can apply the work in these two DVDs you will be able to train behaviors and have a clear line of communication with your dog.

I see (from your email address) that you operate a dog training school. This is all the more important that you get a grasp of Michael's work. The fact is, he is structuring his school in San Francisco, CA towards people like yourself.

Regards,
Ed Frawley

Question

Hi Cindy,

Does this DVD show the use of corrections along with food training? I know corrections are incorporated in this man's training system, but my dog is too soft for any type of correction.

Thank you,
Christy

Answer

No, there are no physical corrections in this video. This is a video about the learning phase, and corrections have no place in learning.

I hope this helps.

Cindy

Question

Cindy,

Could you please give us some specific information on why the new DVD with Michael Ellis “The Power of Training Dogs with Food” may be very helpful for owners of older dogs who do not have any “issues,” are already reasonably well trained in obedience to be fun and good companions and sociably well behaved.

I do want to pursue the training of my 2 1/2 year old GSD beyond simply being a good dog. It is good for both of us!

Thank you so much for the running Michael Ellis videos. They have been helpful. Wish I had them when our dog was a puppy! Will he ever come to Arizona?

Frank

Answer

Frank,

Cindy sent your email on to me. It’s an excellent question.

The beauty of Michael's system is that it creates a relationship where dogs love to be with their handler. They are excited about what the handler has for them and what the handler wants to do with them. If you have a look at the streaming video I did last Friday on engagement you will get a feel for this.

It’s one thing to know the finer points of marker training. It’s a totally other thing to know how to apply them.

With this said to be able to get a dog to want to engage with his owner – to want to be with the owner, have what he has and do what he wants done is a totally different thing. Two totally different concepts here.

What Michael brings to the table in the first two DVDs I am doing with him is to show people who to develop a relationship with their dog that makes the dog want to be engaged with his owner.

What I recommend is to get the food DVD – it speaks for itself. I know that when you do the work in this DVD you will be at the top of the list for the next one I am editing now.

Regards,
Ed Frawley

Question

Dear Ed Frawley and Cindy,

I have a question regarding your new DVD, "The Power of Training Dogs with Food." I have a German Shepherd, but breed and show Boston Terriers. Needless to say, the learning curve is way different for my Shepherd than the Bostons. How effective would this DVD be for small dogs? I have a 9 month female Boston that I am training using your DVD "Training with Markers." Around the home and outdoors, it works great, but when we are in class (conformation or agility), my dog is so distracted by all the other dogs around her, I cannot get her to stay focus on me or the task. It would be great if I could get her better when working with environmental distractions. I would appreciate your comments or suggestions.

Thank you,
Nancy

PS: Your DVD on E-collar training was excellent, I bought that along with an E collar and the Training with Markers DVD for my male Shepherd. Keep up the newsletters....I look forward to reading them!

Answer

Nancy,

An excellent question.

My marker DVD explains the concept of markers and why it works.

The food DVD as a very short recap of markers (not much really because we assume people know what is in the marker DVD) but then it explains how to set up a training program for the foundation of training exercises.

There is a chapter on training for environmental stressors (which is your problem right now). This chapter shows you how to get handler engagement in new locations. Until you get this you cannot train your dog behaviors and exercises.

The work in this DVD is not breed or age specific. It works on all dogs. That’s the beauty of the program.

Regards,
Ed Frawley

Question

Hi Cindy,

I finished watching and studying Leerburg's new DVD on training with Michael Ellis. It is the very best to date.....thank you!!! I have a quick question, while working engagement with very hyper toy and small dogs do you have a training collar preference? Thank you!

Ron

Answer

I would just use a buckle collar, because during engagement the only reason for a collar and leash is to keep the dog from leaving. You won’t actually be using the collar for corrections, so something comfortable that fits well is all that is necessary.

Thanks for the positive review!

Cindy

Question

Hello!

Quick question: I have a 2 year old GSD and am working on competitive obedience training. I fear I have already made many errors as I have not trained for this sport for 20 years and things have really changed.

I want to order the Michael Ellis DVD. I watched all the Michael Ellis videos on your website and he stated that there are different ways to train obedience in AKC and in Schutzhund. As I only want to show in AKC obedience, is this video for me? Does it cover that type of training or is it more geared to schutzhund?

I am also thinking of getting another puppy and certainly want to get off on the right foot.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I love your website.

Answer

Yes, this video is the foundation work that's used no matter what the sport.

Question

What size of rubber horse pan do you use for a touch pad? I notice on the video that you have some kind of square piece attached or glued to the bottom of the pan? Is this for better traction or what?

Linda

Answer

You can use any size, we have a number of different types laying around the property.

The carpet square is laying on top of the rubber pan, because eventually we fade the elevated pad and go to the flat carpet square (or whatever you want to use for touch pads).

Question

Hi,

Can you give me some advice on how to get a faster 'down'? When I ask my dog to down, he is willing but always goes down really slowly. Do you have any tips to make it a bit snappier? He is a 16 month old Malinois with low/medium drive for the breed.

Thanks

Answer

It’s all a matter of motivation. If you find what motivates your dog, then you can get speed because he knows the faster he does what you ask, the faster he gets his reward.

Even a lower drive dog can be motivated more by using rewards dynamically. The key to using food and toys to get the most out of your dog is covered in these 3 very detailed videos.